How to Make Weavings

Weft threads run side to side in a weaving.

Archeologists believe that weaving is one of the first crafts. Weavings are simple to make and can be done with only a few materials. One easy way to make weavings is with a cardboard loom made from a shipping envelop or other recycled cardboard. Cardboard looms are sturdy yet easy to cut with utility scissors. Use the loom to weave small items such as bookmarks, eyeglass cases or purses. Like many people, you may find the weaving process both meditative and addictive.

Things You'll Need

• Cardboard shipping envelope or non-corrugated cardboard
• Ruler
• Pencil
• Utility scissors
• Medium weight yarn
• Tapestry Needle

Instructions

1. Mark cutting lines on the cardboard with the ruler and pencil. Mark the width of the desired project, such as two inches for a bookmark, on opposite edges of the cardboard. Then mark ¼-inch increments along both edges between the two width marks. Measure and draw a line a half inch from and parallel to the edge of the cardboard to use as a cutting guide.

2. Cut slits in the cardboard for the warp threads. Cut a slit with the scissors at each ¼-inch mark in the edges of the cardboard. Use the ½-inch cutting guide to make the slits the same depth.

3. String the loom with warp threads. Leave the yarn attached to the skein and wedge the yarn about 6 inches from the end into the first slit on one edge of the cardboard. Bring the yarn snugly across the cardboard but not so tight that the cardboard bends and wedges into the first slit on the opposite edge. Wrap the yarn around the back of the slit, and then wedge into the second slit. Bring the yarn across the cardboard again and wedge into the second slit on the opposite edge. Wrap the yarn around the back of the slit, and then wedge into the third slit. Continue stringing the yarn back and forth over the cardboard until all of the slits are filled.

4. Weave the first row. Cut at least 48 inches of yarn off the skein and thread on the tapestry needle. Pass the needle over and under the warp threads. Pull the strand of yarn through the warp, leaving a 6-inch tail at the edge of the cardboard.

5. Weave subsequent rows. Pass the needle under and over the warp threads where the first row passed over and under the warp threads. Pull the yarn strand completely through and push the weaving snug against the first row. Continue weaving rows until the cardboard loom is filled or the weaving reaches the desired length. Overlap yarn ends when changing to a new strand. Begin new colors at the edge, leaving a 6-inch tail.

6. Finish the edges, and remove the weaving from the cardboard loom. Thread each loose yarn end on the tapestry needle, and pass under the yarn at the edge of the weaving. Bend the cardboard tabs toward the weaving, and pull the warp threads off the cardboard. Cut the warp loops, and tie each matching pair of ends in a knot. Grasp the loops firmly and pull to slide the warp through the weaving if the loops are less than 1-inch long. Leave the warp edges as is with a fringe, sew down or turn to the inside when making eyeglass cases or purses.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep edges slightly loose to prevent the weaving from narrowing in the middle.

• Tape loose yarn ends to the cardboard to keep out of the way.

• Use a fork to push the yarn snug against the previous row.

References

• Craft Stylish: How to Weave on a Cardboard Loom
• Making Friends: Woven Change Purse

Resources

• Georgia College and State University: The Art and History of Weaving